Chile's miners flag risks in dual oversight of mining, economy ministries

FILE PHOTO: Daniel Mas walks in as Chile's President-elect Jose Antonio Kast names him as the minister of both the Economy and Mining portfolios during the unveiling of his new cabinet, in Santiago, Chile, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Diego Reyes/File Photo

SANTIAGO, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Chile's ‌mining industry expressed concerns on Wednesday after President-elect Jose Antonio Kast named one minister to ‌oversee both mining and the economy, warning that the economically critical sector needs dedicated oversight.

Kast ‌on Tuesday appointed businessman Daniel Mas to lead the Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism. Mas is vice president of the powerful Confederation of Production and Commerce and brings private-sector experience in construction, real estate and financial ‍services, but lacks a mining background.